Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conducted a meeting with Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar at the Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya institution located in Karanthur near Kozhikode on September 13. The encounter occurred shortly after the prime minister arrived in Kerala following his attendance at the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. This session stood out as the most politically delicate part of his Kerala itinerary because it took place one day after he had publicly expressed disagreement with certain statements made by the Grand Mufti regarding women.
During the discussion Ibrahim recognized the scholar’s longstanding contributions to Quranic studies and religious education. At the same time he emphasized that his own stance on women’s rights and their involvement in public life differed from the views expressed by Kanthapuram. The remarks in question had suggested that women should primarily remain at home and that introducing young women into mixed public settings could produce negative outcomes. Those comments had arisen in connection with a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama concerning female participation in religious events.
Ibrahim had already addressed the matter during an interview conducted in New Delhi on September 12. He stated clearly that he did not endorse the cleric’s perspective on women while still acknowledging the value of his scholarly work. The prime minister highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to equal opportunities for women by noting the high enrollment of female students in universities his wife’s professional background as a physician and the educational and social freedoms available to his own daughters. He added that agreement with every religious authority is not obligatory just as alignment with every political leader is not required.
The controversy had already prompted reactions within Kerala. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan described the expressed views as outdated and belonging to an earlier era while recalling the historical contributions of women within Islamic tradition. Additional criticism came from various Hindu organizations and other political groups. Kanthapuram however maintained his original position asserting that Islamic guidelines cannot be altered to accommodate political considerations and that scholars within the Samastha organization reach conclusions after careful review.
Beyond the meeting with the Grand Mufti Ibrahim also held discussions with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. He further engaged with business representatives from India Malaysia and Gulf countries. The two-day visit which ended on September 14 encompassed topics such as artificial intelligence Islamic ethics education trade investment tourism and economic collaboration between Malaysia and Kerala.
At the Markaz venue Ibrahim was welcomed by working secretary Muhammed Abdul Hakeem Azhari secretary C Mohammed Faizi and other officials. The private conversation with Kanthapuram focused on education peace social harmony knowledge exchange and potential cooperation between the institution and Malaysian higher education bodies. Kanthapuram later characterized the interaction as a chance to explore themes of learning and peaceful coexistence.
During the visit Ibrahim received the Sheikh Abu Bakar Foundation Excellence Award which recognizes individuals involved in humanitarian service social reform and educational progress. He was also presented with a handwritten manuscript of Sahih al-Bukhari in appreciation of Malaysia’s support for international Hadith recitation events. The prime minister attended a dinner hosted by the Grand Mufti and subsequently visited the Madavoor CM Valiyullah Dargah in the company of Kanthapuram.
This marked Ibrahim’s second visit to the Markaz facility. His initial trip occurred in September 2022 shortly before he assumed the role of prime minister. In 2023 the Malaysian government presented Kanthapuram with the Hijrah Award. International Hadith recitation gatherings took place in Kuala Lumpur under his guidance in 2023 2024 and 2025 with backing from Malaysian authorities.
Discussions during the visit also touched on the expanding role of artificial intelligence. Ibrahim observed that AI opens fresh avenues for knowledge and development yet simultaneously raises questions related to faith morality and intellectual freedom. He and Kanthapuram considered the importance of guiding AI development according to Islamic ethical principles while preserving human values amid technological change.
On September 14 Ibrahim met Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to review opportunities in trade investment the digital economy healthcare tourism education and high-value industries. He likewise conferred with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Later the prime minister spoke with representatives from nearly thirty companies based in India Malaysia and the Gulf region covering sectors including healthcare semiconductors construction artificial intelligence digital technology engineering retail energy and transportation.
Ibrahim presented Malaysia as an entry point to the ASEAN region and encouraged investors from Kerala and neighboring states to consider opportunities there. He also urged Malaysian firms to explore expansion in Kerala and India. The prime minister recalled longstanding historical connections between the Malabar Coast and Southeast Asia through trade religion knowledge and culture. The entire program remained focused on strengthening bilateral ties while navigating differing perspectives on social matters.
